RECAP: New York 14 - Charlotte 12

The New York Lizards (4-4) broke their two-game losing streak, beating the Charlotte Hounds (3-5) in an exciting 14-12 victory.

In the first quarter, Charlotte came out fast, wanting to keep up the momentum from their past two games. The Hounds went on the board first with goals by Ryan Young and Tom DeNapoli, but that’s where the early scoring would end for Charlotte. New York came out strong, motivated to turn their play around. Max Seibald and Rob Pannell, who will both appear in the All-Star Game for Team USA, would each score twice—Pannell with two goals, and Seibald with a goal and a two-pointer. Young would score his second for the Hounds, ending the quarter down by two.

Charlotte came out ready to make a comeback in the second quarter. Goals by Mike Sawyer and John Haus would tie the game at five, and a goal by Justin Ward, as well as a highlight-reel behind-the-back shot by Matt Danowski, who will be appearing in the All-Star Game for Team MLL, would give the Hounds the lead. Charlotte ended the half up 7-6.

The Lizards came out of halftime with all cylinders firing, determined to not let another game get away from them. New York dominated the second half, scoring early off of Seibald’s second two-pointer of the night. Seibald would score once more and would be joined by teammates Tommy Palasek, rookie Brandon Mangan and Pannell, who would finish out the night with three more. The Lizards made quite the turnaround from last weekend, both offense and defense seeming to mesh together. Goalie Drew Adams even seemed to be back to his normal play, making 15 saves.

Despite goals from Sawyer, Danowski, John Haus and Mike Channenchuk, the Hounds could not do enough to stop an unwavering Lizards’ offense. Charlotte seemed incomparable in the second half to the team they were over the past two weeks. They made sloppy passes in transition and suffered due to last minute penalties out of frustration. Charlotte would ultimately fall to the Lizards 14-12.

Next week, New York will host the Ohio Machine on Saturday 6/28 at 7:00 p.m. ET on YouTube. Charlotte will return home to host the Boston Cannons at 7:00 p.m. ET on Saturday 6/28. Tune to ESPN3.com to catch the game.

Game Notes

-New York’s Rob Pannell named Coca-Cola Player of the Game for his five goals and outstanding offensive leadership.

-Lizards went the entire season without a single two-point goal, but scored two tonight (both by Seibald).

-There were four previous Tewaaraton Trophy winners on the field tonight (Rob Pannell, Ned Crotty, Max Seibald and Matt Danowski).

-Charlotte served a total of four penalty minutes, while New York only served two and a half.

-New York now 3-0 home at James M. Shuart Stadium

-The 2014 MLL All-Star Game, which will feature Team MLL vs. Team USA, is just around the corner on Thursday, June 26, at 7:30 p.m. at Harvard Stadium in Boston, MA. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com or by calling 617-746-9933.